title: Bone mineral changes during pregnancy and lactation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Significant calcium transfer from the mother to the fetus and infant occurs during pregnancy and lactation, theoretically placing the mother at an increased risk for osteoporosis. The relationship between pregnancy, breast-feeding and low bone mass is controversial. In this study we aimed to elucidate the relationship between pregnancy, breast-feeding and bone mass in third trimester pregnants, at least 3 months lactating mothers, and healthy young nulliporous women by using quantitative ultrasonometry.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 120 women divided in three groups: third trimester pregnants, at least 3 months lactating mothers and healthy young nulliporous women. Demographics, total lactation time, number of pregnancies, births and miscarriages-abortions were recorded. Study groups underwent quantitative ultrasonometry measurement at midtibial shaft. Values of the ultrasonometry variables were calculated and compared for groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences among the groups with respect to parameters of age, age at menarche, smoking, alcohol intake and physical exercise in all of the three groups (p > 0.05). No differences were found among the three groups in analyzed variables, when comparing SOS, T- and Z-scores mid-tibial shaft quantitative ultrasonometry.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  No statistically significant associations were found between ultrasonometry variables and pregnancy, breast-feeding or nulliparity.
authors.affiliation: Istanbul Medeniyet University, Goztepe Training and Research Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Goztepe-Istanbul, Turkey. yassure@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Yasemin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yumusakhuylu
authors.forename: Selin T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Turgut
authors.forename: Afitap
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Icagasioglu
authors.forename: Hatice S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Baklacioglu
authors.forename: Raife S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Atlig
authors.forename: Sadiye
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Murat
authors.forename: Necdet
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Suer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D010298:Parity / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult